The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ cast react to controversy over show’s debut

The cast of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives has responded to the backlash surrounding the show’s trailer and title. The series, which premiered on Friday on Hulu, explores the lives of current and former members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) through a lens of scandal and drama.

The show features a mix of TikTok influencers and real-life drama, centring on Taylor Frankie Paul, known for her “MomTok” presence. The series delves into her controversial life, including her divorce and participation in “soft swinging” with other couples in Utah.

Paul, who caused a stir in 2022 with her open marriage announcement, reflects on her past decisions with mixed feelings. “I don’t regret where I am right now,” Paul told CNN. “But do I wish I had gone about things differently? Absolutely.”

The show also highlights a rivalry between Paul and fellow cast member Whitney Leavitt. Leavitt expressed that her actions were more about content creation than competition. “I never really felt a competitive nature with Taylor,” Leavitt said.

The LDS Church has not directly addressed the show but issued a statement on its website hinting at concerns. The Church noted that some portrayals of their faith in entertainment are inaccurate and in poor taste.

Cast member Jennifer Affleck, a distant cousin of actor Ben Affleck, responded to the criticism by suggesting the initial backlash could be preparatory. “It’s probably good that we’ve gotten a little bit of backlash [early] just so we can prepare us for when the real stuff comes out,” she said.

Jessi Ngatikaura, another cast member, acknowledged the controversy but hopes viewers will appreciate the show’s deeper message. “I’m super proud of what we did…and I think once they watch it, they’re going to realise it’s a super empowering show about women and our struggles,” she said.

The series, which comprises eight episodes, is now available for streaming on Hulu.